A Theology of the Holy Spirit [Paperback]

Frederick D. Bruner (Author), Frederick Dale Bruner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1997

This book is a masterpiece on its subject, supplying the reader with the best answers ever written for modern "faith-teaching" and Charismatic views of the Holy Spirit's "second blessing" experiences. Bruner's survey of key passages in The Book of Acts is second to none, as he examines the history of the Pentecostal / Charismatic movement and in particular the Scriptural basis they claim.

Product Details

• Paperback: 390 pages
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579100945
• ISBN-13: 978-1579100940
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, "Chapter-and-verse", in context, treatment,, May 31, 2008

By 

Mark R. Minges - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Theology of the Holy Spirit (Paperback)

This is the most useful book in my library for use in understanding the role(s) outlined by Scripture for the Holy Spirit. I have read all, and re-read portions of it over and over for about twenty years, and find it invaluable for providing understanding of Who the Spirit is, and what He does.

The primary context for the book's writing was as an extension of the author's doctoral thesis, which had focused on a Biblical examination of the tenets of 20th century Pentacostalism, as they touched upon the Holy Spirit and His role in the Christian's life. In that sense, I agree with the above reviewer Steve Cowden that it's about Baptism in the Spirit, although I would go on to say it addresses much, much more, and very well, at that.

I believe that, like me, you will find that Bruner demonstrates from the text of Scripture that the Spirit is, in fact, the Spirit "of Christ" (i.e., stamped with Christ's image, or "personality" if you will), and that it's work is about glorifying Jesus and making Him and His will known, rather than seeking to glorify Himself (i.e., the Spirit).

Furthermore, Bruner argues (successfully, in my opinion) that we are given the Spirit, NOT when we seek it, directly, but rather when we seek Christ (for instance, see his exposition of Paul's letters to the Christians in Galatia and Colossae). It's a similar principle to C.S. Lewis's "Surprised by Joy".

This book has been out of print, but I see now that Amazon is selling it again. I am going to buy another copy TODAY, because my old one is literally falling apart. [This is also one of 2-3 books I have actually bought copies of -- and they were used, when I could even find them -- to give to friends.]

Get this book! Read it, and you may find yourself buying more to give away too!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps He Should Have, May 12, 2008

By 

Steven Cowden (Greenville, SC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Theology of the Holy Spirit (Paperback)

I read this book some years ago and found it to be one of the best on its (actual) subject: Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The author is calm, clear, sympathetic and thoughtful. He is clearly in touch with the subject matter both historically and biblically. Though he does not deal with the manifestations of the latest BHS movements this does not detract from the book. The biblical principles addressed are timeless.

IMO, the former reviewer is typical of people trying to address issues beyond their ability or maturity. I fail to understand why he/she thought that giving a surface review of a book (especially after acknowledging that little effort was given to even read the book) would be helpful to anyone or be fair to the author. I wish Amazon would let us somehow drop these kinds of frivolous, immature and misleading reviews.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book worth pondering., May 21, 2009

By 

Terry Schoen "Old White Haired Guy" (Walla Walla, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Theology of the Holy Spirit (Paperback)

First got this book in the mid-70's when I would have been labeled a Charismatic. Mr. Bruner's book was part of a seminary level class on the HS. I recently found my old textbook; with seminary notes inside. Originally, reading that book changed my life for the better. Reading it again reminded me of the reason I dropped the pentecostal phenomenom from my spiritual pursuits.

Some books of this size take a day or two. This one took two weeks.